Clare’s Best of Byron Book
Food Scene
Byron’s food scene is very mature. It has been growing for many years now and is a real drawing card for tourists. I feel we have a leaning towards very healthy food and local produce.
Cool Vietnamese restaurant with good atmosphere and the best duck pancakes
86 recommandé par les habitants
Light Years - Byron Bay
139 Lawson StCool Vietnamese restaurant with good atmosphere and the best duck pancakes
Miss Margarita
2 Jonson StRelaxed, mexican, casual and cool
Folk Byron Bay
399 Ewingsdale Rdvery cool - great for breakfast or lunch
I love their falafel. Eat in or take it up to the beach front and watch the waves.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Orgasmic Food Byron Bay
11 Bay LnI love their falafel. Eat in or take it up to the beach front and watch the waves.
Its touristy but they are so friendly and I do like their menu a lot
25 recommandé par les habitants
Combi Byron Bay
25 Fletcher StIts touristy but they are so friendly and I do like their menu a lot
Fancy a drive to Newrybar. Go and check out the shops and then have lunch or dinner at Harvest. It is lovely and you will enjoy the change of scenery from Byron Bay.
327 recommandé par les habitants
Harvest Newrybar
18 Old Pacific HwyFancy a drive to Newrybar. Go and check out the shops and then have lunch or dinner at Harvest. It is lovely and you will enjoy the change of scenery from Byron Bay.
The Roadhouse is a few minutes from our place. It’s got a cool hipster vibe, strong coffee and nice atmosphere.
258 recommandé par les habitants
The Roadhouse Byron Bay
142 Bangalow RdThe Roadhouse is a few minutes from our place. It’s got a cool hipster vibe, strong coffee and nice atmosphere.
Another favourite with my guests and in walking distance from our place. Plant based delicious, gorgeous food.
78 recommandé par les habitants
The Byron Bay General Store
26 Bangalow RdAnother favourite with my guests and in walking distance from our place. Plant based delicious, gorgeous food.
Nice grocery store. A good spot to pick up some olives, fruit or nibbles. Lots of local produce.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Bay Grocer
63 Tennyson StNice grocery store. A good spot to pick up some olives, fruit or nibbles. Lots of local produce.
Amazing chef and the food is brilliant. It’s just a very small cafe - a local’s haunt.
Fel's Kitchen Byron Bay
30 Fletcher StAmazing chef and the food is brilliant. It’s just a very small cafe - a local’s haunt.
A great Japanese restaurant on the Main Street. Excellent “people watching” spot. Can order from menu or the sushi train.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Kinoko
23 Jonson StA great Japanese restaurant on the Main Street. Excellent “people watching” spot. Can order from menu or the sushi train.
This is essentially a takeaway but it is good! Poke bowls are healthy and nutritious - pick one up and eat it and linger by the sea up at the park in town.
Finn Poke Byron Bay
2 Fletcher StThis is essentially a takeaway but it is good! Poke bowls are healthy and nutritious - pick one up and eat it and linger by the sea up at the park in town.
My favourite açai bowl EVER. I love this spot. It’s a “hang”. Open early for the surfie crowd. I remember it when it was just a corner store but it has been an early morning haunt now for over a decade. Closes around 3pm.
183 recommandé par les habitants
The Top Shop
65 Carlyle StMy favourite açai bowl EVER. I love this spot. It’s a “hang”. Open early for the surfie crowd. I remember it when it was just a corner store but it has been an early morning haunt now for over a decade. Closes around 3pm.
Try their cookies, also lovely pastries and breads.
40 recommandé par les habitants
Sunday Sustainable Bakery
101 Jonson StTry their cookies, also lovely pastries and breads.
Benilato Italian gelato & Vegan ice cream
19 Federal DrWonderful Gelato
Fantastic fish tacos. Great option for a very casual, easy dinner. It’s in Byron Street down towards Middleton st end
12 recommandé par les habitants
Chihuahua
8 Jonson StFantastic fish tacos. Great option for a very casual, easy dinner. It’s in Byron Street down towards Middleton st end
Bit more High End eating this one is… very popular and pretty FAB
90 recommandé par les habitants
Bang Bang Byron Bay
1 Byron StBit more High End eating this one is… very popular and pretty FAB
Another high end one. Must book and this one is in Brunswick Heads
74 recommandé par les habitants
Fleet Restaurant
16 The TerraceAnother high end one. Must book and this one is in Brunswick Heads
Great for a special occasion. They also have a more relaxed cafe and I like this too.
81 recommandé par les habitants
Rae's on Wategos
6-8 Marine ParadeGreat for a special occasion. They also have a more relaxed cafe and I like this too.
If you have heard of Noma Restaurant in Copenhagen then it might interest you to know that the owner of Pipit worked at Noma. He grew up in Byron and has come back to the northern rivers to do his own thing. Pipit is his restaurant and I am dying to check it out but thought I should share this info with you in case you want to experience it.
51 recommandé par les habitants
Pipit Restaurant
8 Coronation AveIf you have heard of Noma Restaurant in Copenhagen then it might interest you to know that the owner of Pipit worked at Noma. He grew up in Byron and has come back to the northern rivers to do his own thing. Pipit is his restaurant and I am dying to check it out but thought I should share this info with you in case you want to experience it.
This oceanfront restaurant offers stunning views of the beach and a menu of fresh seafood and other coastal-inspired dishes. It's a great choice for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Beach Byron Bay
This oceanfront restaurant offers stunning views of the beach and a menu of fresh seafood and other coastal-inspired dishes. It's a great choice for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
This popular restaurant offers a lively atmosphere and a menu of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and other dishes that showcase local flavors. Guests can dine indoors or outdoors and enjoy views of the bustling streets below.
190 recommandé par les habitants
The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co.
3 Lawson StreetThis popular restaurant offers a lively atmosphere and a menu of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and other dishes that showcase local flavors. Guests can dine indoors or outdoors and enjoy views of the bustling streets below.
Bay Pizza Lab
Apparently THE BEST pizza EVERRRRR!!
Shopping
Owned by my dear friend Annick. This is a lovely women’s clothing store with handpicked items from around the globe.
Enzo & Toto
19 Fletcher StOwned by my dear friend Annick. This is a lovely women’s clothing store with handpicked items from around the globe.
Owned by another friend of mine, Nicole has created an interesting eclectic women’s clothing, jewellery and homewares store. Check it out.
Sweet Papillon
31 Fletcher StOwned by another friend of mine, Nicole has created an interesting eclectic women’s clothing, jewellery and homewares store. Check it out.
The best bookshop in town. Clever staff (my friend Jane works there) and lovely array of books.
9 recommandé par les habitants
The Book Room- Byron
27 Fletcher StThe best bookshop in town. Clever staff (my friend Jane works there) and lovely array of books.
Loads of linen and a nice selection of jewellery and accessories. They are now only located in Bangalow so sadly the Byron shop has closed.
Bell & Ford
111 Jonson StLoads of linen and a nice selection of jewellery and accessories. They are now only located in Bangalow so sadly the Byron shop has closed.
Our neighbours own this lovely brand. The headquarters is in the Industrial Estate.
St. Agni - Byron Bay Boutique
4 Acacia StOur neighbours own this lovely brand. The headquarters is in the Industrial Estate.
Gorgeous clean beauty products made in Australia. Interesting shopping experience. Cruelty free products that are Australian made. The company is based in the Southern Highlands and the quality is outstanding. Try their turmeric soap! Lots of samples available too.
Bare Body Beauty Co - Byron Bay
6 Jonson StreetGorgeous clean beauty products made in Australia. Interesting shopping experience. Cruelty free products that are Australian made. The company is based in the Southern Highlands and the quality is outstanding. Try their turmeric soap! Lots of samples available too.
Nicely curated shop featuring men and women’s clothing.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Unplugged Byron Bay
2 Lawson StNicely curated shop featuring men and women’s clothing.
Really unique and classy homewares. Inspiring. Located out at “Habitat” which is a shopping/living precinct designed by our architect Dominic Finlay-Jones
Shackpalace Rituals
2 Porter StReally unique and classy homewares. Inspiring. Located out at “Habitat” which is a shopping/living precinct designed by our architect Dominic Finlay-Jones
Drinks & Nightlife
The Mez Club
85-87 Jonson StAll white and light, stylish spot for pre dinner drink
watch the world go by and have a nice pre dinner drink here
190 recommandé par les habitants
The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co.
3 Lawson Streetwatch the world go by and have a nice pre dinner drink here
Loft Byron Bay
4 Jonson StCocktails and dinner - it has a nice vibe.
Locals are loving this place for an evening drink and good place to laze about - I believe the boys from Three Blue Ducks are behind this venue.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Locura
6 Lawson StLocals are loving this place for an evening drink and good place to laze about - I believe the boys from Three Blue Ducks are behind this venue.
Sightseeing
Wet weather idea - visit the Tweed Regional Gallery. It’s a beautiful space and their collection is fabulous.
283 recommandé par les habitants
Galerie régionale de Tweed et centre d'art Margaret Olley
2 Mistral RdWet weather idea - visit the Tweed Regional Gallery. It’s a beautiful space and their collection is fabulous.
It is absolutely essential to visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse which is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. It is stunning, stunning, stunning.
402 recommandé par les habitants
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Cape Byron Walking TrackIt is absolutely essential to visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse which is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. It is stunning, stunning, stunning.
Day Spas and Treats
Day spas and other special treats
The Banya
I am yet to try this but have it booked for Easter and I must say, I love the look of it.
Best Hikes & Walking Trails
Byron Bay isn’t just about beaches and surfing. If hiking is your thing or even if you just enjoy great walks, then we’ve got you covered with the following list of the best hiking trails in the Byron Bay area. From hinterland hiking destinations, to mainland great walks, this list will give you plenty of ways to keep your feet moving while on holiday. Many of the walking trails we suggest below of the beautiful views of the area, so be sure to add them to your list of things to do in Byron Bay
Minyon Falls, part of the World Heritage Nightcap National Park, is a featured part of a walking trail loop that runs 7.5km and is considered a challenging walk due to some steep inclines. However, seeing the 100 metre falls certainly makes it worth the effort.
Guides suggest visitors to this hiking destination admire the stand of old-growth brushbox trees, situated on the western side of Repentance Creek. Also, bring along a picnic and stop to refuel along this or other creeks. Or perhaps save the picnic for when you finish at the top of Minyon Falls. While you’re at the Minyon picnic area, you might even catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons in the sky or brush turkeys on the ground.
You can also do the walk in the opposite way, starting at the top of the falls and follow the loop to the bottom of the falls. Either way, the walk is a grade 3 and will take three to four hours round trip. Also keep in mind that you’ll want to tackle this hike on a good weather day because the trail is located in a rather remote area and bring along your water and snacks.
Boggy Creek Walk - Linked with the nearby Minyon walking loop, this much easier hiking trail (ideal for kids!) – is located within Whian Whian State Conservation Area. The Boggy Creek Walk, a popular one, is much quieter in off seasons (why we suggest it for autumn); you may even have it all to yourself. If the pools near the creek section are still warm, they are great places to take a dip. This 2 km (one way) walk goes through the rainforest between Rummery Park and Minyon Falls, which means either end of the trail is a good spot for a snack or a picnic.
362 recommandé par les habitants
Belvédère de Minyon Falls
Minyon Platform TrackMinyon Falls, part of the World Heritage Nightcap National Park, is a featured part of a walking trail loop that runs 7.5km and is considered a challenging walk due to some steep inclines. However, seeing the 100 metre falls certainly makes it worth the effort.
Guides suggest visitors to this hiking destination admire the stand of old-growth brushbox trees, situated on the western side of Repentance Creek. Also, bring along a picnic and stop to refuel along this or other creeks. Or perhaps save the picnic for when you finish at the top of Minyon Falls. While you’re at the Minyon picnic area, you might even catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons in the sky or brush turkeys on the ground.
You can also do the walk in the opposite way, starting at the top of the falls and follow the loop to the bottom of the falls. Either way, the walk is a grade 3 and will take three to four hours round trip. Also keep in mind that you’ll want to tackle this hike on a good weather day because the trail is located in a rather remote area and bring along your water and snacks.
Boggy Creek Walk - Linked with the nearby Minyon walking loop, this much easier hiking trail (ideal for kids!) – is located within Whian Whian State Conservation Area. The Boggy Creek Walk, a popular one, is much quieter in off seasons (why we suggest it for autumn); you may even have it all to yourself. If the pools near the creek section are still warm, they are great places to take a dip. This 2 km (one way) walk goes through the rainforest between Rummery Park and Minyon Falls, which means either end of the trail is a good spot for a snack or a picnic.
Also located in the Lismore area (same as Nightcap), there are four excellent hiking trails starting from the Rocky Creek Dam picnic area.
• Water Dragon Walk – considered an easy walk, taking about 20 minutes, takes you up to a lookout where you can view the dam’s spillway. Make sure to look for water dragons and whip snakes on the dam wall (but don’t touch them!).
• Platypus Walk – this 30-minute hiking trail, also considered easy, meanders through forest and includes going across the pontoon bridge and along the broadwalk beside the creek.
• Cedar Walk – this longer walk should take about 50 minutes and might even get your feet wet. It travels the edges of the reserve through the forest and into areas where the rainforest is being regenerated by the Rous Water reserve.
• Scrub Turkey Walk – this is the most difficult walk in the area and takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete. During the walk, you’ll be head in the mature Big Scrub rainforest, part of the Nightcap National Park, and go to Catchment Loop Drive and then across the spillway and dam wall.
Also, a note for families, there is a fun Forest Playground, located under the rainforest trees in the picnic area.
46 recommandé par les habitants
Rocky Creek Dam
Rocky Creek Dam RoadAlso located in the Lismore area (same as Nightcap), there are four excellent hiking trails starting from the Rocky Creek Dam picnic area.
• Water Dragon Walk – considered an easy walk, taking about 20 minutes, takes you up to a lookout where you can view the dam’s spillway. Make sure to look for water dragons and whip snakes on the dam wall (but don’t touch them!).
• Platypus Walk – this 30-minute hiking trail, also considered easy, meanders through forest and includes going across the pontoon bridge and along the broadwalk beside the creek.
• Cedar Walk – this longer walk should take about 50 minutes and might even get your feet wet. It travels the edges of the reserve through the forest and into areas where the rainforest is being regenerated by the Rous Water reserve.
• Scrub Turkey Walk – this is the most difficult walk in the area and takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete. During the walk, you’ll be head in the mature Big Scrub rainforest, part of the Nightcap National Park, and go to Catchment Loop Drive and then across the spillway and dam wall.
Also, a note for families, there is a fun Forest Playground, located under the rainforest trees in the picnic area.
This walk features the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse so you’ll certainly want to check this hiking trail out, especially if this is your first trip to Byron Bay. If you want to complete the whole loop, it’s 3.7 km and will take about two hours at a very slow and leisurely pace. With all the spectacular views along the way, it is a perfect way to start off any Byron Bay holiday.
Luckily, you can access the loop in a variety of spots to make the walk whatever length fits you and your energy levels. You can walk from Lawson Street in town towards the lighthouse until it becomes Lighthouse Road. When you reach the Captain Cook car park you can either take the boardwalk or, across the road is Lee Lane and a signposted entry will direct you to the bushland route. Alternatively, you can park closer at either The Pass or Watego’s beach and pick up the trail from there. And, if you really have no energy you don’t have to miss out–you can walk up to where the boardwalk ends and then continue on the road, instead of through bushland and therefore miss navigating steps.
402 recommandé par les habitants
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Cape Byron Walking TrackThis walk features the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse so you’ll certainly want to check this hiking trail out, especially if this is your first trip to Byron Bay. If you want to complete the whole loop, it’s 3.7 km and will take about two hours at a very slow and leisurely pace. With all the spectacular views along the way, it is a perfect way to start off any Byron Bay holiday.
Luckily, you can access the loop in a variety of spots to make the walk whatever length fits you and your energy levels. You can walk from Lawson Street in town towards the lighthouse until it becomes Lighthouse Road. When you reach the Captain Cook car park you can either take the boardwalk or, across the road is Lee Lane and a signposted entry will direct you to the bushland route. Alternatively, you can park closer at either The Pass or Watego’s beach and pick up the trail from there. And, if you really have no energy you don’t have to miss out–you can walk up to where the boardwalk ends and then continue on the road, instead of through bushland and therefore miss navigating steps.
One of my absolute favourites...Considered a must-do of Australian hiking trails, a visit to Protesters Falls is not to be missed. The falls, one of the tallest in Australia, are the highlight of an easy 1.2km walk travelling from Terania Creek picnic area through beautiful bungalow palm forest to the base of the falls. Swimming is not permitted in the area because the endangered Fleay’s barred frog calls it home.
Interesting side note: The falls got its name from a successful anti-logging protest in 1979.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Protesters Falls walking track
Terania Creek RoadOne of my absolute favourites...Considered a must-do of Australian hiking trails, a visit to Protesters Falls is not to be missed. The falls, one of the tallest in Australia, are the highlight of an easy 1.2km walk travelling from Terania Creek picnic area through beautiful bungalow palm forest to the base of the falls. Swimming is not permitted in the area because the endangered Fleay’s barred frog calls it home.
Interesting side note: The falls got its name from a successful anti-logging protest in 1979.
Situated in Wollumbin National Park is the 1,100m high Mt. Warning. Many hikers suggest heading out early in the morning – pre-sunrise, so bring lights – to be among the first to see the sunshine in Australia atop the summit.
It will take you about two hours to get to the top (maybe more in the dark) and the last 250 metres is done by chain assist, but we promise the amazing 360 degree views are well worth sacrificing some sleep.
This hiking destination is also worth coming to at any time during the day. You’ll still enjoy magnificent views of the area that stretch from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay.
Keep in mind a couple of things before you start:
• Toilets are available at the beginning of the hike so make sure to take advantage of them!
• Make sure to carry your own water and snacks.
• Temperatures drop quickly as you climb.
The following video will give you a really good look at what the longer hike looks like and just how amazing the views are from the top. It also gives you a glimpse of the end of the hike where you’ll need to hold onto a chain and climb some challenging rocks to finally reach the summit. It’s a good way to figure out if you can handle the longer hike. Of course, once you see the views, you will probably want to go for it!
Alternatively, there is a shorter hiking trail called The Lyrebird Track, which is only about 300 metre round trip, at the base of the mountain that takes hikers through rainforest across a creek and to a viewing platform. Might be a good idea to pack binoculars if you enjoy bird watching as there is a large variety that call the area home.
93 recommandé par les habitants
Mt Warning Rainforest Park
153 Mount Warning RdSituated in Wollumbin National Park is the 1,100m high Mt. Warning. Many hikers suggest heading out early in the morning – pre-sunrise, so bring lights – to be among the first to see the sunshine in Australia atop the summit.
It will take you about two hours to get to the top (maybe more in the dark) and the last 250 metres is done by chain assist, but we promise the amazing 360 degree views are well worth sacrificing some sleep.
This hiking destination is also worth coming to at any time during the day. You’ll still enjoy magnificent views of the area that stretch from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay.
Keep in mind a couple of things before you start:
• Toilets are available at the beginning of the hike so make sure to take advantage of them!
• Make sure to carry your own water and snacks.
• Temperatures drop quickly as you climb.
The following video will give you a really good look at what the longer hike looks like and just how amazing the views are from the top. It also gives you a glimpse of the end of the hike where you’ll need to hold onto a chain and climb some challenging rocks to finally reach the summit. It’s a good way to figure out if you can handle the longer hike. Of course, once you see the views, you will probably want to go for it!
Alternatively, there is a shorter hiking trail called The Lyrebird Track, which is only about 300 metre round trip, at the base of the mountain that takes hikers through rainforest across a creek and to a viewing platform. Might be a good idea to pack binoculars if you enjoy bird watching as there is a large variety that call the area home.
Situated in Broken Head Nature Reserve. Meander through the lush rainforest and you’ll emerge at this spectacular setting. Overlooking Kings Beach, you can’t find a better spot to sit and contemplate the natural beauty around you. The views are incredible – a wonderful coastal panorama of secluded beaches, rocky coves and dense rainforest.
In winter and spring, it’s a fantastic vantage point to spot migrating whales, and great for birdwatching too. Watch for the clash air and sea wildlife as white-bellied sea eagles dive for food. Also, during this time, the headland bursts with colour when the wildflowers are out.
Take a moment to learn about the Aboriginal story behind Three Sisters, which tells the tale of three sisters who were turned into the rocky outcrops near the headland. Alternatively, you could just stroll along the beach, dip your toes into the glistening blue waters, and enjoy the serenity under a shady tree at the rainforest edge.
Three Sisters Walking Track
Situated in Broken Head Nature Reserve. Meander through the lush rainforest and you’ll emerge at this spectacular setting. Overlooking Kings Beach, you can’t find a better spot to sit and contemplate the natural beauty around you. The views are incredible – a wonderful coastal panorama of secluded beaches, rocky coves and dense rainforest.
In winter and spring, it’s a fantastic vantage point to spot migrating whales, and great for birdwatching too. Watch for the clash air and sea wildlife as white-bellied sea eagles dive for food. Also, during this time, the headland bursts with colour when the wildflowers are out.
Take a moment to learn about the Aboriginal story behind Three Sisters, which tells the tale of three sisters who were turned into the rocky outcrops near the headland. Alternatively, you could just stroll along the beach, dip your toes into the glistening blue waters, and enjoy the serenity under a shady tree at the rainforest edge.